Overview
Black seed oil comes from a small plant (Nigella sativa) with pale purple, blue or white flowers that grows in Western Asia, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Other names for black seed oil are black caraway, black cumin, kalonji and black onion seeds. People have used the black seeds of Nigella sativa fruits as a natural remedy for thousands of years. The seeds are also used to flavor curries, pickles, and bread similarly to how cumin or oregano is used. Black seed oil contains thymoquinone, which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that may also have tumor-reducing properties. It is also a good source of essential amino acids, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, and Vitamin A.
Benefits:
Specific benefits related to the consumption of black seed oil include:- Asthma. A small trial in asthmatic patients showed improved asthma control with black seed oil supplementation.
- Blood pressure. Findings from a placebo-controlled trial suggest that consumption of 5 mL Nigella sativa oil daily for 8 weeks can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy individuals without any adverse effects.
- Inflammation. Black seed oil has been shown to provide strong anti-pathogenic and anti-fungal in one specific review.
- Skin health. Research revealed that black seed oil can decrease the severity of hand eczema and may be more effective than benzoyl peroxide in treating mild to moderate acne, when applied topically.
- Weight management. One review suggests Nigella sativa supplementation may have a moderate effect on reduction in body weight, BMI, and waist size.
In Summary
Black seed oil has shown itself to have many health benefits. As with many other herbs and plants with beneficial properties, they should all be consumed in moderation and should be integrated into a daily health regimen that is balanced.
References
Gal, K. (2022, January 20). Benefits of black seed oil. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322948
Sassos, S. (2021, June 12). So, Is Black Seed Oil Really Worth the Hype? GH. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a36651966/black-seed-oil-benefits
